This time my posting sabbatical was totally unplanned. In fact, I thought I would have more time to craft my postings...given the fact that I was on "vacation". Little did I know that this vacation I so desperately needed would mimic my everyday life in every way. It was filled with good friends, some disappointing football games, driving, good food, good cookies, bad news from work, lots and lots of e-mails from work, calls from customers, more calls from work and finally a meltdown today. All I wanted...all I needed...was a little quality time with my husband and my son. It was not meant to be. My co-worker, Kat was on vacation. She did not know I had planned this trip to Jacksonville to visit my son and the Jacksonville Jaguars Monday Night Football Game months ago. I did not know she had planned her trip to Octoberfest in Helen, Georgia for the same time. I thought work could live without the two of us for two days. Silly me.
Sprinkled in between the calls, e-mails and driving, I managed to fit in a little fun. University of Florida's Homecoming and Mike's Bowling Team Reunion were both this weekend. As hard as I tried I could not get off work in time to join my husband and Chris for Gator Growl on Friday night, but they both had a great time without me and that made me very happy. It was great to see Mike in his element on Saturday surrounded by a couple of decades of bowlers he had mentored. My game day menu consisted of Grilled Pizzas, Brats and Cookies. Easy, tasty and enjoyed by all. Unfortunately the actual football game was not as tasty. My beloved Gators lost their third game in a row to Mississippi State. Uug!
Sunday afternoon Chris and I attended the Orlando Magic Open Practice at the new Amway Center. Tickets were free and it was a great way to check out the new venue. I was impressed. I know it is kind of silly, but it made me proud to be from Orlando. Sunday night I baked cookies for Ryan's Jacksonville Jaguars co-workers and two of their best players...Maurice Jones-Drew and Mercedes Lewis. Monday morning Mike and I headed to Jacksonville for lunch with Ryan at Singleton's Seafood Shack. Before the Monday Night game, Mike and I paid a visit to Bistro Aix for a cocktail and cheese plate. I asked the bartender to surprise me and boy am I glad he did. The cocktail he served me was without a doubt the best drink I have ever tasted. I have no idea what it was called, but it tasted kind of like a Mojito muddled with fresh basil instead of mint. The bartender said it had pineapple juice and coconut rum, but I could not tell. All I know is it was fresh, smooth and the perfect compliment to the cheese assortment. I love Bistro Aix!
On to Everbank Field Mike and I headed for our first experience at a Monday Night Football Game. For a city that is accused of indifference and lack of support, I was impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm in the air. Unfortunately, the Jaguars team forgot to show up. Oh, they were there in body, but certainly not in spirit. They played an uninspired game to its 3-30 conclusion. After the game Ryan gave Heartsong Cookies to Maurice and Mercedes. I think a hug was probably the perfect elixer to soothe their pain. Mercedes evidently thought so too, because today he made a point to stop by Ryan's office to tell him he loved the cookies and wanted more. Very cool.
I have so much more to share about the weekend and no energy to continue. Meltdowns can certainly suck the life out of you. This five day posting will just have to continue tomorrow.
Many hugs,
Kathy
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